BATTERY SYSTEM, ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM INCLUDING THE BATTERY SYSTEM, AND PROTECTIVE COVER FOR USE IN THE BATTERY SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery system that effectively protects an electrical connection configuration between battery containers and has excellent installation workability or tolerance compatibility. The battery system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of battery containers including one or more battery modules, a container housing that houses the battery modules in an internal space, and container terminals located on at least one side of the container housing and configured to be electrically connected to an outside, link bus bars each having an end connected to a container terminal of a different battery container to electrically connect the plurality of battery containers, and a protective cover coupled to the container housing of the plurality of battery containers electrically connected by the link bus bar and configured to surround the link bus bar in a space between the plurality of battery containers.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0055751 filed on May 4, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0078336 filed on June 27, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery, and more particularly to a connection configuration between battery containers in a battery system including a plurality of battery containers. [Background technology]

[0003] In recent years, as issues such as power shortages and environmentally friendly energy have come to the fore, energy storage systems (ESS) for storing generated electricity have been drawing more attention. Typically, the use of such ESS makes it easy to build a power management system such as a smart grid system, making it easy to adjust the supply and demand of electricity in a specific region or city. In addition, as electric vehicles are becoming more commercially available, such ESS can also be applied to electric charging stations for charging electric vehicles.

[0004] The ESS may be configured in various forms, typically including one or more battery containers. In this case, the battery container may include a plurality of battery modules connected in series and / or parallel to each other. Here, the plurality of battery modules may be housed inside the battery container via a rack frame or a separate fixing structure.

[0005] Furthermore, since an ESS handles a very large amount of power, it is often configured to include a number of battery containers. In this case, the battery system is configured by electrically connecting the battery containers to each other through bus bars. In this case, the battery cells and battery modules are present inside the battery container and are protected from external environments such as water, wind, and insects. However, the structure connecting the battery containers, particularly the bus bars, are present outside the battery container and are therefore exposed to the external environment and susceptible to these influences.

[0006] In addition, according to the conventional technology, there is a problem that it is not easy to electrically connect the battery containers to each other. Furthermore, in the case of a battery system or an energy storage system including a plurality of battery containers, many battery containers are arranged in a small space in order to increase the energy density. Therefore, there is a problem that the construction quality of the battery system or the energy storage system varies depending on the skill and effort of the worker.

[0007] In addition, a battery container is usually heavy and has a much larger volume than a typical battery pack, so once a battery container is placed in a specific position, it is difficult to change the position, and therefore a certain level of tolerance is likely to occur in the space for electrical connection between battery containers. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a battery system and energy storage system, as well as a protective cover used therein, which effectively protects the electrical connection structure between battery containers and has excellent installation workability or tolerance compatibility.

[0009] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, a battery system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of battery containers having one or more battery modules, a container housing that accommodates the battery modules in an internal space, and container terminals located on at least one side of the container housing and configured to be electrically connected to the outside, link bus bars having respective ends connected to container terminals of different battery containers to electrically connect the plurality of battery containers, and a protective cover coupled to the container housings of the plurality of battery containers electrically connected by the link bus bar and configured to surround the link bus bar in spaces between the plurality of battery containers.

[0011] Here, the protective cover may be configured to be detachably attached to the outer surface of the container housing.

[0012] The protective cover may include a plurality of unit covers configured to be separable and connectable to each other.

[0013] In addition, the unit covers may include a bottom cover configured to protect lower and side portions of the link bus bar, and a top cover configured to protect an upper portion of the link bus bar.

[0014] The unit covers may further include a guide cover coupled to an outer side of the container housing so that at least one of the bottom cover and the top cover is placed thereon.

[0015] In addition, the bottom cover may include a first bottom cover configured to protect a front and a lower portion of the link bus bar, and a second bottom cover configured to protect a rear and a lower portion of the link bus bar.

[0016] The protective cover may also include two mounting members respectively attached to the outsides of two battery containers connected by the link bus bar, and a cover member coupled to the two mounting members and configured to surround the link bus bar in a flexible state.

[0017] Also, the mounting member may be formed in a ring shape, and the cover member may be formed in a tubular shape.

[0018] The cover member may also be configured to be flexible in both horizontal and vertical directions.

[0019] The cover member may also be configured in the form of a rolled sheet with both ends fixed.

[0020] The cover member may also be constructed in a woven form.

[0021] The cover member may also be configured in a corrugated tubular shape.

[0022] The protective cover may further include a roof member disposed on an upper portion of the cover member.

[0023] Additionally, the mounting member may be configured to be at least partially inserted outside the container housing.

[0024] Furthermore, an energy storage system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery system according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0025] Furthermore, a protective cover according to yet another aspect of the present invention is a protective cover for a battery system in which multiple battery containers are electrically connected to each other by link bus bars, and includes a bottom cover configured to protect a lower portion and sides of the link bus bars, and a top cover configured to protect an upper portion of the link bus bars.

[0026] Furthermore, a protective cover according to yet another aspect of the present invention is a protective cover for a battery system in which two battery containers are electrically connected to each other by a link bus bar, and includes two mounting members respectively attached to the outsides of the two battery containers connected by the link bus bar, and a cover member connected to the two mounting members and configured to surround the link bus bar in a flexible state. Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, the electrically connected portions between the battery containers can be effectively protected from external environmental factors such as water, wind, dust, insects, and the like.

[0028] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the workability of the electrical connection configuration between battery containers can be improved.

[0029] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, even if a tolerance exists in the connection portion between the battery containers, such a tolerance can be adaptively accommodated.

[0030] In addition, various other additional effects can be achieved by many embodiments of the present invention. The various effects of the present invention will be described in detail in each embodiment, but the description of the effects that are easily understood by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters described in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a top view illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a partially enlarged view showing a schematic configuration of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a partially enlarged view showing a state in which a part of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention is separated; [Diagram 5] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 4 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a guide cover included in a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 8] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a part of the process of attaching a protective cover to a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a part of the process of attaching a protective cover to a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a bottom cover included in a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a top cover included in a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 12]1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a partial configuration of a battery system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an assembled perspective view of the configuration of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery system according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a protective cover included in a battery system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a protective cover included in a battery system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 18] 1 is a top view illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 19] 1 is a partially enlarged view showing a schematic configuration of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 20] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 21] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating various changes in shape of a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating various changes in shape of a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating various changes in shape of a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a protective cover according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] 13 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery system according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 27]13 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery system according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 28] 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery system according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 29] 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery system according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 30] 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery system according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 31] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a link bus bar according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the present specification and claims are not to be construed as being limited to their ordinary and dictionary meanings, but are to be construed as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventors themselves can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0034] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiment described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therefor at the time of this application.

[0035] In the various embodiments described herein, detailed descriptions of parts that are the same or similar to the descriptions of other embodiments will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0036] Fig. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged view showing a schematic configuration of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged view showing a state in which a portion of the battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention is separated. In particular, Figs. 3 and 4 show an enlarged configuration of a portion A1 in Fig. 1. Also, in Figs. 1 and 2, for convenience of explanation, parts are partially removed or cut, or shown in a transparent form.

[0037] 1 or 4, a battery system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery container 100, a link bus bar 200, and a protective cover 300.

[0038] The battery container 100 includes a battery module 110, a container housing 120, and a container terminal 130.

[0039] Here, the battery module 110 is configured to store and release power by housing a plurality of battery cells (secondary batteries) in a module case, and may include one or more. In particular, as shown by dotted lines in FIG. 1, a plurality of battery modules 110 may be provided inside the battery container 100, and in this case, the plurality of battery modules 110 may be electrically connected in series and / or parallel. In addition, in order to facilitate the arrangement or stacking of the plurality of battery modules 110, the battery container 100 may include a rack frame. The rack frame may house the plurality of battery modules 110 in a horizontal and / or vertical stacked manner. The battery container 100 according to the present invention may employ various battery modules 110 known at the time of filing of the present invention. In addition, since a specific configuration of the battery module 110 is known at the time of filing of the present invention, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0040] The container housing 120 may be configured to house the battery modules 110 in its internal space. In particular, the container housing 120 may be formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with an empty space formed therein, and may house a plurality of battery modules 110 in the internal space. Furthermore, a rack frame, a partition structure, etc. capable of housing a plurality of battery modules 110 may be further housed or provided inside the container housing 120. The container housing 120 may be made of a metal material such as steel, but the present invention is not limited to such a specific material for the container housing 120.

[0041] The container terminal 130 may be configured to be located on at least one side of the container housing 120 and to be electrically connected to the outside, as shown in FIG. 4, etc. For example, the container terminal 130 may be configured to be connected to another battery container 100. In particular, the container terminal 130 may be configured to allow main DC power, which is charging and discharging power for the battery container 100, to flow therethrough. In this case, the container terminal 130 can be said to be a main DC power terminal. And, the container terminal 130 may have two types of terminals, i.e., a container positive terminal and a container negative terminal, as shown in FIG. 4, etc., to allow charging and discharging power to flow therethrough.

[0042] The container terminals 130 may be provided on a plurality of side surfaces of the container housing 120. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the container terminals 130 may be provided on the left and right sides of one container housing 120. In this case, a main power line may be connected between the container terminal 130 provided on the left side and the container terminal 130 provided on the right side inside one battery container 100. Such a main power line may provide a path for transmitting power of the corresponding battery container 100 as well as power of other battery containers 100. In particular, the plurality of battery containers 100 may be electrically connected in parallel with each other, and in this case, the main power line of each battery container 100 may transmit power of the other battery containers 100.

[0043] A battery system may include a plurality of battery containers 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 4, the battery system may include at least two battery containers 100.

[0044] The link bus bar 200 may have a plurality of ends, each of which may be connected to a container terminal 130 of a different battery container 100. To this end, the link bus bar 200 may be configured to extend long in at least one direction. For example, the link bus bar 200 may be configured to extend long in the left-right direction, and both ends may be connected to the container terminals 130 of the different battery containers 100. More specifically, in a battery system including a left container 100L and a right container 100R, the left end of the link bus bar 200 may be connected to the container terminal 130 of the left container 100L, and the right end of the link bus bar 200 may be connected to the container terminal 130 of the right container 100R.

[0045] The link bus bar 200 may be connected to the container terminals 130 of the different battery containers 100 in this manner, thereby electrically connecting the plurality of battery containers 100 together. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 or 4, the link bus bar 200 may electrically connect two battery containers 100, i.e., between the left container 100L and the right container 100R. In particular, the link bus bar 200 may pass DC power, in other words, charging and discharging power of the battery system, between the different battery containers 100.

[0046] The protective cover 300 may be configured to be coupled to the container housing 120 of the battery container 100. In particular, the protective cover 300 may be coupled to the container housings 120 of a plurality of battery containers 100 electrically connected by a link bus bar 200. For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, when two battery containers 100, i.e., a left container 100L and a right container 100R, are connected by a link bus bar 200, the protective cover 300 may be coupled to the container housing 120 of the left container 100L and the container housing 120 of the right container 100R.

[0047] The protective cover 300 may be configured to surround the link bus bar 200 in the space between the plurality of battery containers 100 connected by the link bus bar 200 in this manner. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the protective cover 300 may be located in the empty space between the left container 100L and the right container 100R. The protective cover 300 may surround the link bus bar 200 in the space between the left container 100L and the right container 100R. In particular, the protective cover 300 may be configured to cover the upper, lower, front, and rear of the link bus bar 200 in the space between the two battery containers 100.

[0048] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the link bus bar 200 from being exposed to the outside in the space between the two battery containers 100. Therefore, the electrical connection configuration between the battery containers 100 can be protected more stably. In particular, since a system such as an ESS is often placed outdoors, according to this embodiment, it is possible to safely protect the electrical connection configuration of the battery containers 100 from many external factors. For example, the link bus bar 200 of the present invention can be safely protected from many external climatic and animal factors such as water, wind, heat, dust, insects, birds, etc.

[0049] The protective cover 300 may be configured to be detachable from the outer surface of the container housing 120. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0050] 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, only one battery container 100 is shown in FIG.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 5, in the battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover 300 may be configured to be attachable and detachable to the left side surface of the container housing 120. More specifically, the right side portion of the protective cover 300 may be coupled to the left side surface of the container housing 120 of the right container 100R. At this time, the protective cover 300 and the container housing 120 may be fastened and fixed in a bolt fastening manner. The protective cover 300 coupled to the container housing 120 in this manner may be separated from the container housing 120 by releasing the bolt fastening. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 5, the left side portion of the protective cover 300 may be coupled to the right side surface of another container, i.e., the left container 100L.

[0052] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, a battery system can be constructed more easily. In particular, according to this embodiment, the protective cover 300 can be attached after the battery container 100 is moved to a predetermined position. Therefore, since the battery container 100 is moved without the protective cover 300 attached, it is possible to prevent the protective cover 300 from being damaged or interfering with the movement of the battery container 100 when the battery container 100 is moved. In addition, since the protective cover 300 is attached when the battery container 100 is placed in a fixed position, it is possible to appropriately deal with tolerances that occur depending on the placement position of the battery container 100. In addition, according to this embodiment, since the protective cover 300 can be attached after the link bus bars 200 are connected, it is possible to more easily fasten the link bus bars 200 and configure a link system.

[0053] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view that illustrates a schematic configuration of a protective cover 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] 6, the protective cover 300 may include a plurality of unit covers. In this case, the plurality of unit covers may be configured to be separable and connectable to each other. In particular, the protective cover 300 may be manufactured in a state in which each unit cover is separated from the others, and then the unit covers may be connected to each other during the process of mounting the protective cover 300 on the container housing 120. In this case, the connection of the plurality of unit covers may be performed by a method such as bolt fastening. To this end, at least some of the plurality of unit covers may be formed with fastening holes for bolt fastening between them. In addition, the plurality of unit covers may be formed with structures such as protrusions or grooves for insertion fastening between them.

[0055] According to this embodiment of the present invention, since the protective cover 300 is separated into many unit covers, it is easier to handle and attach the protective cover 300. Also, according to this embodiment, the link bus bar 200 can be protected more comprehensively.

[0056] Furthermore, the protective cover 300 according to the present invention may include a bottom cover 310 and a top cover 320 as multiple unit covers, as shown in FIG.

[0057] Here, the bottom cover 310 may be configured to protect the lower portion and sides of the link bus bar 200. Therefore, the bottom cover 310 may include a plurality of plate-shaped portions to easily form a space for accommodating the link bus bar 200 therein and to improve connectivity. More specifically, the bottom cover 310 may include a lower plate for covering the lower portion of the link bus bar 200 and a side plate for covering the side portion of the link bus bar 200.

[0058] Top cover 320 may be configured to protect the upper part of link bus bar 200. Therefore, top cover 320 may include a portion formed in a plate shape to cover the upper part of link bus bar 200, i.e., an upper plate.

[0059] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the exposed portion of the link bus bar 200 between the two battery containers 100 can be easily covered. In particular, the link bus bar 200 connected between two battery containers 100 arranged in the left-right direction is exposed at the upper, lower, front, and rear in the space between the two battery containers 100. However, in the case of this embodiment, the bottom cover 310 and the top cover 320 cover and protect such exposed portions of the link bus bar 200, i.e., the upper, lower, front, and rear. In addition, according to this embodiment, since the bottom cover 310 and the top cover 320 can be fastened in a state in which the link bus bar 200 is connected between the two battery containers 100, the link bus bar 200 and the protective cover 300 can be easily assembled.

[0060] In addition, the plurality of unit covers constituting the protective cover 300 may further include a guide cover 330 as shown in Fig. 6. The configuration of the guide cover 330 will be described in more detail with further reference to Fig. 7 or Fig. 9.

[0061] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a guide cover 330 included in a protective cover 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 8 and 9 are views showing some steps of a configuration in which the protective cover 300 is attached to a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] 7 and 8, the guide cover 330 may be coupled to the outside of the container housing 120. Here, the guide cover 330 may be bolted to the container housing 120. At this time, the guide cover 330 and the container housing 120 may each have a coupling hole for bolting therebetween.

[0063] 7, the guide cover 330 may be configured in a C-shape and may be coupled to the lower and side (front and rear) portions of the container housing 120 where the container terminal 130 is located. More specifically, the guide cover 330 may include a horizontal guide portion 331 and a vertical guide portion 332. Here, the horizontal guide portion 331 may be located below the container terminal 130 in the container housing 120, and the vertical guide portions 332 may be located in front and rear of the container terminal 130.

[0064] The protective cover 300 located between the two battery containers 100 may include two guide covers 330 since it is attached to each of the two battery containers 100. For example, referring to the configuration shown in Fig. 8, two guide covers 330 may be included as unit covers for constituting one protective cover 300. In this case, one guide cover 330 may be attached to the right side surface of the left container 100L, and the other guide cover 330 may be attached to the left side surface of the right container 100R.

[0065] The guide cover 330 may be configured to have at least one of the bottom cover 310 and the top cover 320 mounted thereon. That is, the guide cover 330 may be configured to have the bottom cover 310 or the top cover 320 mounted thereon in a state where the guide cover 330 is coupled to the outside of the container housing 120. Referring to the configuration shown in FIG. 9 as a more specific embodiment, the bottom cover 310 may be mounted on two guide covers 330 coupled to the left container 100L and the right container 100R. In particular, the left side of the bottom cover 310 may be mounted on the left guide cover 330, and the right side of the bottom cover 310 may be mounted on the right guide cover 330.

[0066] At this time, the guide cover 330 may have a portion on which the bottom cover 310 is placed. For example, referring to the embodiment of Fig. 7, the horizontal guide portion 331 and the vertical guide portion 332 of the guide cover 330 each have a flat portion in the horizontal direction and a flat portion in the vertical direction. At least a part of the bottom cover 310 may be placed on the flat portions of the horizontal guide portion 331 and the vertical guide portion 332. In particular, by being placed on the guide cover 330, the lower portion and side portions of the bottom cover 310 are supported upward, forward, and backward.

[0067] Here, the guide cover 330 may be bolted to the bottom cover 310. To this end, the guide cover 330 may be formed with fastening holes for bolting to the bottom cover 310. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7, the horizontal guide portion 331 of the guide cover 330 may be formed with fastening holes as shown in the portion indicated by H1. Also, the vertical guide portion 332 of the guide cover 330 may be formed with fastening holes as shown in the portion indicated by H2. Such fastening holes H1 and H2 may be used for bolting to the bottom cover 310.

[0068] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the battery system can be more easily assembled. In particular, in the present embodiment, the mounting operation of mounting the protective cover 300 to the outside of the battery container 100 can be easily performed. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the process of coupling the guide cover 330 to the container housing 120 can be performed regardless of the time, before or after the movement of the battery container 100, before or after the connection of the link bus bar 200. In particular, the guide cover 330 can be pre-attached to the outer surface of the container housing 120 before the two battery containers 100 are attached adjacent to each other. In addition, the bottom cover 310 has a larger area than the guide cover 330, and therefore the handling and mounting operation is not easy. However, according to the present embodiment, the bottom cover 310 only needs to be placed or coupled to the guide cover 330, and does not need to be directly coupled to the container housing 120. Therefore, the structure of the bottom cover 310 is not complicated and is simple.

[0069] The bottom cover 310 may include two unit bottom covers 310. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0070] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a bottom cover 310 included in a protective cover 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] 10, the bottom cover 310 may include a first bottom cover 311 and a second bottom cover 312. Here, the first bottom cover 311 may be configured to protect the front (-Y axis direction in the drawing) and the lower side of the link bus bar 200. And the second bottom cover 312 may be configured to protect the rear (+Y axis direction in the drawing) and the lower side of the link bus bar 200.

[0072] More specifically, the first bottom cover 311 and the second bottom cover 312 may be configured in the shape of a folded plate as shown in FIG. 10. That is, the first bottom cover 311 and the second bottom cover 312 may have a side portion 310a and a base portion 310b around the folded portion. Here, the side portion 310a of the first bottom cover 311 may be located in front of the link bus bar 200 to cover the front of the link bus bar 200. And, the side portion 310a of the second bottom cover 312 may be located behind the link bus bar 200 to cover the rear of the link bus bar 200. Also, the base portion 310b of the first bottom cover 311 and the base portion 310b of the second bottom cover 312 may be configured to overlap at least partially. In this case, airtightness is improved, and infiltration of external foreign matter and the like from the space between the base portions 310b of the two bottom covers 310 can be more effectively prevented. In this manner, the first bottom cover 311 and the second bottom cover 312 may have a similar shape in a folded form and may be configured to be symmetrical to each other in the front-rear direction.

[0073] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the bottom cover 310 can be more easily assembled. In particular, according to this embodiment, even in a state where the link bus bar 200 is assembled to the container terminal 130, the process of placing the bottom cover 310 on the guide cover 330 can be smoothly performed. In addition, according to this embodiment, it is possible to more appropriately deal with tolerances that may occur during the installation process of the battery system. In particular, according to this embodiment, it is possible to more effectively deal with changes in the length of the battery system in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction).

[0074] Meanwhile, the bottom cover 310 may be formed with a configuration for fastening to the guide cover 330, for example, a bolt fastening hole. For example, the first bottom cover 311 and the second bottom cover 312 may have fastening holes formed in the base part 310b and the side part 310a, as shown by H3 and H4 in FIG. 10. The fastening holes H3 and H4 of the bottom cover 310 may be configured to communicate with the fastening holes H1 and H2 of the guide cover 330 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7 when the bottom cover 310 is placed on the guide cover 330. Then, the bottom cover 310 and the guide cover 330 may be fastened and fixed by passing a bolt through both the fastening holes H3 and H4 of the bottom cover 310 and the fastening holes H1 and H2 of the guide cover 330.

[0075] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a top cover 320 included in a protective cover 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] 11, the top cover 320 may be configured to form an internal space together with the bottom cover 310 and cover the upper portion of the link bus bar 200 located in the internal space. The top cover 320 may be formed in a substantially plate shape. Furthermore, the top cover 320 may have a bent portion as shown by C1 in FIG. 11. The bent portion C1 may be configured to cover the upper end of the side portion 310a of the bottom cover 310 as shown in FIG. 3, etc. In particular, the top cover 320 may have bent portions formed on both ends so as to cover the outer surfaces of the upper ends of the side portions 310a of the first bottom cover 311 and the second bottom cover 312.

[0077] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to improve the sealing force between the top cover 320 and the bottom cover 310. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the protection performance of the link bus bar 200 by the top cover 320 and the bottom cover 310.

[0078] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, only a battery container 100 is shown in Fig. 12.

[0079] 12, in the battery system according to the present invention, a terminal accommodating portion, such as a portion indicated by D1, may be formed in the container housing 120 of the battery container 100. The terminal accommodating portion D1 may be formed in a shape recessed inward from at least one side of the container housing 120. The container terminal 130 may be located in the terminal accommodating portion D1 of the container housing 120. That is, the container terminal 130 may be provided in a shape exposed to the outside of the container housing 120, and in particular, may be provided outside the portion of the container housing 120 that is formed in a recessed shape.

[0080] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to more easily achieve a protective structure for the container terminal 130 and the link bus bar 200 connected to the container terminal 130. That is, since the container terminal 130 is located in a recessed portion such as the terminal accommodating portion D1 in the container housing 120, the container terminal 130 can be easily protected by simply covering the open portion of the recessed portion.

[0081] In particular, the terminal accommodating portion D1 may be located at an edge portion of the upper end of the container housing 120. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 12, the terminal accommodating portion D1 of the left container 100L may be located at an edge portion of the upper end of the right side of the container housing 120. Also, in the embodiment of FIG. 12, the terminal accommodating portion D1 of the right container 100R may be located at an edge portion of the upper end of the left side of the container housing 120.

[0082] In particular, the terminal accommodating portion D1 may be formed such that the container terminal 130 is exposed upward and to the side. Here, the side may be the side of the adjacent battery container 100. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 12, the terminal accommodating portion D1 of the left container 100L may be configured to be open upward and to the right. Thus, the container terminal 130 of the left container 100L may be exposed upward and to the right. And, the terminal accommodating portion D1 of the right container 100R may be configured to be open upward and to the left. Thus, the container terminal 130 of the right container 100R may be exposed upward and to the left.

[0083] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, a battery system can be constructed more easily. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, when two battery containers 100 are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction, each container terminal 130 may be exposed above and to the sides of the adjacently arranged portions. Therefore, a worker can more easily perform the work of connecting or disconnecting the link bus bar 200 and the protective cover 300 to the exposed container terminal 130. In particular, according to this embodiment, the work of installing or replacing the link bus bar 200 can be performed more smoothly.

[0084] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery system according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is an assembled perspective view of the configuration of FIG.

[0085] 13 and 14, the battery system according to the present invention may further include a top terminal cover 410 and / or a side terminal cover 420. The top terminal cover 410 may be configured to close the top of the terminal accommodating portion D1. That is, the top terminal cover 410 may be configured to cover the top of the open portion of the terminal accommodating portion D1. And the side terminal cover 420 may be configured to close the side of the terminal accommodating portion D1. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the side terminal cover 420 may be configured to cover the left side of the open portion with respect to the terminal accommodating portion D1.

[0086] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the terminal accommodating portion and / or the link bus bar 200 can be protected in various situations, such as before or after the construction of a battery system, and before or after the connection of the link bus bar 200 to the battery container 100. In particular, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the upper terminal cover 410 can seal the upper end of the open portion of the terminal accommodating portion D1 after the construction of the battery system, and even when the protective cover 300 is coupled to the battery container 100. However, the upper terminal cover 410 can be temporarily separated in the step of constructing the battery system. In particular, the upper terminal cover 410 can be removed in the process of connecting the link bus bar 200 to the container terminal 130. Then, after the connection process of the link bus bar 200 is completed, the upper terminal cover 410 can be coupled to close the upper end of the open portion of the terminal accommodating portion D1.

[0087] Meanwhile, the side terminal cover 420 is not coupled to the terminal accommodating portion D1 when the battery system is constructed, and may be coupled to the terminal accommodating portion D1 when the battery system is not constructed, for example, when the battery container 100 is being transported. Alternatively, the side terminal cover 420 may be coupled to the terminal accommodating portion D1 provided in a portion not connected to other battery containers 100 even when the battery system is constructed. For example, in a plurality of battery containers 100 arranged and connected in the left-right direction, the top terminal cover 410 and the side terminal cover 420 may both be coupled to the terminal accommodating portion D1 provided on the edge of the upper right end of the rightmost battery container 100. Meanwhile, only the top terminal cover 410 may be coupled to the terminal accommodating portion D1 provided on the edge of the upper left end of the rightmost battery container 100, since the terminal accommodating portion D1 is connected to another battery container 100 located on the left side, and the side terminal cover 420 may not be coupled to the terminal accommodating portion D1. In particular, the portion of the container housing 120 to which the side terminal cover 420 is attached may be the portion to which the protective cover 300 is attached. Therefore, it can be said that when the protective cover 300 is attached, the side terminal cover 420 cannot be attached.

[0088] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery system according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to Figure 15, the battery system according to the present invention includes a top terminal cover 410 and a side terminal cover 420, similar to the embodiments of Figures 13 and 14, but the top terminal cover 410 and / or the side terminal cover 420 may be configured to be slidable relative to the container housing 120.

[0090] More specifically, the top terminal cover 410 is attached to the top surface of the container housing 120, and may be configured to be slidable in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) as shown by an arrow E1 in FIG. 15. The top terminal cover 410 may be configured to open and close the upper end of the open portion of the terminal accommodating portion D1 by such a sliding action. For example, in the process of coupling the link bus bar 200 to the container terminal 130, the top terminal cover 410 may slide in the +X-axis direction to open the upper portion of the terminal accommodating portion D1, facilitating the coupling operation of the link bus bar 200 by a worker. Then, when the coupling operation is completed, the top terminal cover 410 may slide in the -X-axis direction to close the terminal accommodating portion D1.

[0091] Also, the side terminal cover 420 is attached to a side of the container housing 120, and may be configured to be slidable in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) as shown by an arrow E2 in Fig. 15. The side terminal cover 420 may be configured to open and close the side of the open portion of the terminal accommodating portion D1 by such a sliding action. For example, during transportation of the battery container 100, the side terminal cover 420 may slide in the +Z-axis direction to close the side of the terminal accommodating portion D1. After transportation of the battery container 100 is completed, the side terminal cover 420 may slide in the -Z-axis direction to expose the side of the terminal accommodating portion D1, and the link bus bar 200 may be connected and the protective cover 300 may be attached.

[0092] Meanwhile, as shown by F in Fig. 15, the battery container 100 may further include a connection reinforcement member. The connection reinforcement member F may be located in the terminal accommodating portion D1 of the container housing 120. In particular, the connection reinforcement member F may be formed in a shape that extends long along the edge of the container housing 120. Furthermore, the connection reinforcement member F may be located in the edge portion where the terminal accommodating portion D1 is formed, and may divide the open portion of the terminal accommodating portion D1 into an upper portion and a side portion.

[0093] Such a coupling reinforcement member F may be configured to fasten various components included in the battery system of the present invention. For example, at least a portion of the protective cover 300 shown in Fig. 3 or Fig. 11, particularly the top cover 320, may be coupled and fixed to the coupling reinforcement member F. Also, the top terminal cover 410 and / or the side terminal cover 420 shown in the embodiment of Fig. 13 or Fig. 15 may be coupled and fixed to the coupling reinforcement member F. Furthermore, the coupling reinforcement member F may have a fastening hole formed therein for coupling and fixing to such other components.

[0094] In the battery system according to the present invention, a bolt fastening configuration may be applied between many components. In this case, a fastening hole or a coupling hole for the bolt fastening may be formed larger than the size of the bolt. For example, the bottom cover 310 may be coupled and fixed to the guide cover 330 by a bolt passing through the fastening hole, and in this case, the fastening hole of the bottom cover 310 may be configured to extend long in one direction, for example, in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction), so that the penetration position of the bolt can be changed. As another example, the top cover 320 may be fastened to the coupling reinforcement member F with a bolt, and the fastening hole of the top cover 320 may be formed to be long in one direction, for example, in the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0095] According to this embodiment of the present invention, even if the mounting position of the battery container 100 is slightly deviated from the designed position when constructing a battery system, the bolts can be fastened at the appropriate position through the long fastening holes. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively deal with tolerances.

[0096] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a protective cover 300 included in a battery system according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] 16, protective cover 300 may be configured to have a variable length in at least one direction. For example, protective cover 300 may be configured to have a variable length in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, many of the components included in protective cover 300 may be configured to have variable lengths.

[0098] More specifically, the guide cover 330 may be configured to change its length in the direction of the arrow G1 in FIG. 16. In this case, the guide cover 330 may include two unit members, and the two unit members may be configured to be movable along a coupling rail. Also, the top cover 320 may be configured to change its length in the direction of the arrow G2 in FIG. 16. In this case, the top cover 320 may be configured to be movable in a sliding manner with the two plate-like members coupled to each other. And, the bottom cover 310 may be configured to change the relative distance between the first bottom cover 311 and the second bottom cover 312 in the direction of the arrow G3.

[0099] According to this embodiment of the present invention, tolerances can be dealt with more effectively when constructing a battery system. In particular, in the process of arranging two battery containers 100 in the left-right direction, the terminal accommodating portions D1 may not be accurately opposed to each other, resulting in misalignment in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction), causing an error. In this case, according to this embodiment, the length of the protective cover 300 can be adjusted in the front-rear direction in response to such an error, so that the protective cover 300 can be stably attached between the two battery containers 100.

[0100] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a protective cover 300 included in a battery system according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 17, the protective cover 300 may be configured to have a variable length in the direction in which the battery containers 100 are stacked, i.e., in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). More specifically, the bottom cover 310, i.e., the first bottom cover 311 and the second bottom cover 312, may be configured to have a variable length (width) in the left-right direction in the direction of the arrow G4. At this time, the first bottom cover 311 and the second bottom cover 312 may be configured to be slidable in the left-right direction in a state in which different plate-shaped members are stacked facing each other. In addition, the top cover 320 may be configured to have a variable width in the direction of the arrow G5 in FIG. 17. At this time, the top cover 320 may have a variable width by moving in the direction of the arrow G5 in a sliding manner in a state in which two plate-shaped members are stacked facing each other.

[0102] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the protective cover 300 can be appropriately changed in response to the distance between different battery containers 100, i.e., the tolerance in the X-axis direction in which the battery containers 100 are arranged. Therefore, in this case, even if the fixing position of the battery container 100 is changed, the protective cover 300 can be stably attached to the battery container 100 by changing the length (width) of the protective cover 300.

[0103] Fig. 18 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 19 is a partially enlarged view showing a schematic configuration of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Fig. 19 is a view showing an enlarged partial configuration of a portion A1' in Fig. 18. Also, in Fig. 18, for convenience of explanation, a part is removed or cut or shown in a transparent form. Also, Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a protective cover 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] 18 to 20, the protective cover 300 may be configured to be attached to the container housing 120 of the battery container 100 to protect the link bus bar 200. In particular, the protective cover 300 includes an attachment member 340 and a cover member 350.

[0105] The mounting member 340 may be attached to the outsides of two battery containers 100 electrically connected by the link bus bar 200. In particular, two mounting members 340 may be provided on one protective cover 300, and the two mounting members 340 may be fixed to different battery containers 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the protective cover 300 may be provided in a space between two battery containers 100 arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. In this case, one mounting member 340 provided on the protective cover 300, i.e., the left mounting member 340L, may be attached and fixed to the left container, and the other mounting member 340, i.e., the right mounting member 340R, may be attached and fixed to the right container.

[0106] The mounting member 340 may be fastened to the container housing 120 of the battery container 100 by a bolt fastening method. In this case, a fastening hole may be formed in the mounting member 340 as shown by H11 in FIG. 20. A bolt may be inserted and fixed to the container housing 120 through the fastening hole H11 of the mounting member 340. However, the present invention is not limited to such a fastening method between the mounting member 340 and the container housing 120. That is, the mounting member 340 may be fixed to the container housing 120 by various other methods. In addition, the mounting member 340 may be made of a material having high mechanical strength, such as a metal, in order to stably support the cover member 350 while ensuring fastening strength with the container housing 120. Alternatively, the cover member 350 may be made of a plastic material having a higher strength than the cover member 350.

[0107] The cover member 350 may be coupled and fixed to the two mounting members 340 between the two mounting members 340. For example, the left end of the cover member 350 may be coupled and fixed to the left mounting member 340L and the right end of the cover member 350 may be coupled and fixed to the right mounting member 340R. In this case, the cover member 350 may be fixed to the mounting members 340 by various methods such as a bolt fastening method, a hook method, or an adhesive method.

[0108] The cover member 350 may be configured to surround the link bus bar 200 in a flexible state. That is, the cover member 350 may have a flexible material or shape and may be positioned outside the link bus bar 200. In particular, the cover member 350 may have an empty space formed therein, and may protect the link bus bar 200 by accommodating the link bus bar 200 in the internal space. Furthermore, the cover member 350 may be configured to cover the upper, lower, front and rear of the link bus bar 200 between two mounting members 340 disposed apart in the left-right direction.

[0109] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connection configuration between the battery containers 100 can be protected more stably. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the tolerance of the space between the two battery containers 100 is excellent. That is, the protective cover 300 is provided between the two battery containers 100, and the space between the two battery containers 100 may have various sizes. Furthermore, even if the mounting positions of the battery containers 100 are determined in the process of constructing the battery system, the positions of the battery containers 100 may be changed according to the situation in the installation process. At this time, the size of the space between the battery containers 100 changes, but according to the present embodiment, since the cover member 350 has flexibility, the protective cover 300 is appropriately deformed and attached to the battery container 100, and thus the protection function of the link bus bar 200 can be stably performed.

[0110] The protective cover 300 may be configured to be detachable from the outer surface of the container housing 120. For example, two mounting members 340 may be configured to be attachable and detachable to the side surfaces of the container housings 120 facing each other for two adjacent battery containers 100. In this case, the mounting members 340 can be attached and detached from the container housing 120 by inserting or releasing bolts into the fastening holes H11 in a state where the mounting members 340 are attached to the container housing 120. The protective cover 300 may be configured to surround the outside of the link bus bar 200 by attaching and detaching the mounting members 340.

[0111] As a more specific example, for two battery containers 100 arranged in the left-right direction, i.e., a left container and a right container, the link bus bar 200 may be coupled to the right container terminal 130 of the left container. Then, with the cover member 350 surrounding the link bus bar 200, the left attachment member 340L may be fixed around the right container terminal 130 of the left container with a bolt. Then, after the link bus bar 200 is coupled to the left container terminal 130 of the right container, the right attachment member 340R may be fixed around the left container terminal 130 of the right container with a bolt.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the battery system can be constructed more easily.

[0113] The mounting member 340 may be formed in a ring shape as shown in FIG. 20 and the like. In particular, the mounting member 340 may be formed in a square ring shape. The cover member 350 may be formed in a tube shape having a hollow. Furthermore, the cover member 350 may be formed in a square tube shape. Also, the cover member 350 and the two mounting members 340 may be coupled together such that the hollow of the cover member 350 communicates with the hollows of the two mounting members 340. Then, in the process of mounting the protective cover 300, at least a part of the link bus bar 200 may pass through the hollows of the cover member 350 and the mounting member 340.

[0114] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily achieve a configuration in which the protective cover 300 is positioned on the outside of the link bus bar 200 in order to protect the link bus bar 200. In addition, according to this embodiment, the task of attaching the protective cover 300 to the container housing 120 becomes more convenient. In particular, the attachment member 340 is fixed to the container housing 120 in a state in which the link bus bar 200 penetrates the hollow of the attachment member 340 and the cover member 350, so that the attachment of the protective cover 300 can be easily completed.

[0115] The cover member 350 may be configured to be flexible in both horizontal and vertical directions, as will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0116] 21 to 23 are diagrams illustrating various shape changes of the protective cover 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 21 to 23, the cover member 350 may be configured to change its shape when the relative positions of the two mounting members 340 change.

[0117] First, referring to the embodiment of FIG. 21, the cover member 350 can be deformed due to its flexibility even if the horizontal positions of the two mounting members 340 in the Y-axis direction are different. More specifically, the right mounting member 340R is located forward of the left mounting member 340L in the +Y-axis direction by about B11. In this case, the cover member 350 can be deformed due to its flexibility even if there is a difference in the positions of both ends in the Y-axis direction. And, there is little effect on the connection of the cover member 350 to the mounting member 340 and the protection function of the link bus bar 200 existing in the internal space. Furthermore, even if the position of the right mounting member 340R changes as shown by the arrow C11, the protective cover 300 can be deformed adaptively to the position change.

[0118] 22, the cover member 350 can be deformed due to its flexibility even if the horizontal positions of the two mounting members 340 in the X-axis direction are different. That is, even if the right mounting member 340R moves in the X-axis direction as shown by arrow C12 and an error of about B12 occurs from the design dimension, the cover member 350 can be deformed to accommodate the error because of its flexibility.

[0119] 23, the cover member 350 can be appropriately deformed to accommodate different positions in the Z-axis direction, which is the vertical position of the two mounting members 340. That is, even if the right mounting member 340R moves in the Z-axis direction as indicated by arrow C13, causing an error of B13 from the designed dimension, the cover member 350 can be stably coupled to the mounting member 340 through deformation to protect the link bus bar 200.

[0120] According to this embodiment, due to the flexibility of the cover member 350, the cover member 350 can be stably attached to the battery container 100 even under various conditions, particularly when there is a certain degree of difference in the horizontal or vertical positions of the two battery containers 100 to which the protective cover 300 is attached.

[0121] The cover member 350 may be configured in the form of a rolled sheet with both ends fixed, which will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0122] 24 is a cross-sectional view that shows a schematic configuration of a protective cover 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A2-A2' in FIG.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 24, the cover member 350 may be configured such that a single sheet is rolled to form a hollow space. The two ends of the rolled sheet may be joined together. That is, a flexible sheet member may be rolled and the two separated ends may be joined to form a tube. In this case, the two ends joined by rolling may be overlapped with each other as shown by the portion A3. The overlapped portions may be fixed to each other in various ways. In particular, the overlapped portions of the two ends of the sheet member may be bonded using an adhesive. The joined and fixed portions of the two ends, for example, the bonded portions, may be elongated from one side to the other along the edge direction of the end, for example, the X-axis direction.

[0124] Furthermore, the joint portion of the sheet member, particularly the overlapping portion, may be located at the lower portion of the cover member 350. For example, referring to the configuration shown in Fig. 24, when the sheet member is rolled into a substantially rectangular tubular shape, it may have four edges, an upper portion, a lower portion, a left portion, and a right portion. In this case, the joint portion of the sheet member may be located at the lower edge.

[0125] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover 300 can be manufactured in a relatively simple manner. In addition, according to this embodiment, the prevention performance against the penetration of foreign matter can be further improved. In particular, when the cover member 350 is manufactured in the above manner, foreign matter such as water or dust may penetrate through the joint portion of the end of the sheet member. However, according to this embodiment, the possibility of such penetration of foreign matter is very low, and further, when it rains in a situation where the battery system according to the present invention is placed outdoors, it is possible to prevent rainwater from flowing in through the joint portion of the end of the sheet member, for example, the overlapping portion such as A3. That is, according to this embodiment, the waterproof or dustproof performance of the protective cover 300 is further improved with a simple structure.

[0126] Also, the cover member 350 may be in the form of a woven fabric. That is, the cover member 350 may be in the form of a sheet woven using fibers. And, the cover member 350 may be manufactured in such a woven form and then rolled up as described in FIG. 24 to have a hollow space. Also, the cover member 350 may be configured to have a waterproof performance. For example, the cover member 350 may be configured in the form of a waterproof layer coated on one or both sides of a base material of a woven fabric. For example, the cover member 350 may be made of a waterproof cloth material. As an example, the cover member 350 may include a tarpaulin material.

[0127] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to realize an easy-to-manufacture and lightweight protective cover 300. In addition, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a protective cover 300 that is highly flexible and can easily deform depending on the position or environment where the protective cover 300 is attached.

[0128] 25 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a protective cover 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In each embodiment included in this specification, including this embodiment, detailed descriptions of parts that are the same or similar to the descriptions of other embodiments will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 25, the cover member 350 may be configured in a corrugated tubular shape. For example, the cover member 350 may be configured in a tubular shape with both ends fixed to the left mounting member 340L and the right mounting member 340R, respectively, and configured to have a plurality of wrinkles in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). When the distance between the left mounting member 340L and the right mounting member 340R becomes closer or farther, the wrinkles may be folded or expanded. Furthermore, the cover member 350 may have a bellows shape. Here, the material of the cover member 350 may be selected from various plastics. Also, in the cover member 350, an iron core or the like may be inserted into at least some of the wrinkles in order to form such a wrinkled shape or to maintain the shape at a certain level or higher, or to improve the strength.

[0130] According to this embodiment of the present invention, even if the distance or position between the two mounting members 340 changes, it is possible to ensure a sufficient storage space for the link bus bar 200 present inside the cover member 350. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the length of the cover member 350 can be effectively changed in response to a position change in a specific direction, i.e., a position change in the X-axis direction, between the two mounting members 340. Therefore, the mounting state and function of the protective cover 300 can be more stably maintained even when the position changes in such a direction.

[0131] 26 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery system according to still another embodiment of the present invention, in which some components are shown in a separated form for ease of explanation.

[0132] 26, the protective cover 300 may further include a roof member 360. The roof member 360 may be formed in a plate shape and disposed on the upper part of the cover member 350. In particular, the roof member 360 may be configured to cover the upper part of the cover member 350. For example, the roof member 360 may be formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and configured to cover all or almost all of the cover member 350 when viewed from above. Furthermore, the roof member 360 may be configured to be larger than the cover member 350 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) and the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction). Here, the roof member 360 may be positioned above the cover member 350 and spaced apart from it, or may be positioned to be in contact with at least a portion of the cover member 350.

[0133] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the foreign matter penetration prevention performance of the protective cover 300 is further improved. In particular, when it rains, raindrops fall from the upper side of the protective cover 300, but the roof member 360 primarily blocks the raindrops, thereby reducing the raindrops from flowing onto the cover member 350 and / or the mounting member 340. In addition, according to this embodiment, the durability of the cover member 350 and / or the mounting member 340 can be further improved. In particular, if the cover member 350 is made of a highly flexible material, its durability may decrease, but according to this embodiment, the roof member 360 can complement the shortcomings in durability of the cover member 350.

[0134] Furthermore, the roof member 360 may be formed to be longer in the left-right direction than the left-right separation distance between two battery containers 100 arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. For example, referring to the embodiment of FIG. 26, the width of the roof member 360 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) may be formed to be greater than the left-right separation distance between the left container 100L and the right container 100R. In addition, fastening holes as indicated by H13 may be formed at both ends in the left-right direction of the roof member 360, and fastening holes as indicated by H14 may be formed in the two container housings 120 corresponding to the left-right direction. Then, the roof member 360 may be fastened and fixed to the container housing 120 by passing a bolt through the fastening hole H13 of the roof member 360 and the fastening hole H14 of the container housing 120.

[0135] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the waterproof or dustproof performance of the roof member 360 is further improved. In particular, according to this embodiment, it is possible to more effectively prevent water or foreign matter from penetrating through the fastening portion between the mounting member 340 and the container housing 120.

[0136] Furthermore, the roof member 360 may have a bent portion as shown by E in Fig. 26. Such bent portion E may have a shape that is bent substantially vertically downward from an end of the roof member 360 so as to cover the cover member 350. For example, the roof member 360 may be formed in a substantially plate-like shape, with the front end (-Y axis direction) and the rear end (+Y axis direction) having portions that are bent downward.

[0137] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the protection performance of the roof member 360 relative to the cover member 350 is further improved.

[0138] Fig. 27 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery system according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Fig. 27 shows another modified example of a roof member 360 fastened and fixed to the upper space between two container housings 120 as shown in Fig. 26.

[0139] 27, the roof member 360 may have slopes formed thereon. More specifically, the roof member 360 may have slopes formed on an outer surface, for example, an upper surface, as indicated by S1 and S2. The slopes S1 and S2 may be configured to be inclined at a predetermined angle from the horizontal plane (XY plane).

[0140] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, foreign matter such as rain, snow, and dust is less likely to remain on the roof member 360. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a large load from being applied to the roof member 360, and to prevent deformation or damage to the roof member 360. In addition, it is possible to quickly expel such foreign matter to the outside and to prevent the foreign matter from moving from the upper part of the roof member 360 toward the cover member 350 or the mounting member 340.

[0141] Also, the roof member 360 may have a recess on its outer surface, as shown by G11 in FIG. 27. For example, the recess G11 may be formed in a shape recessed downward from the upper surface of the roof member 360. Such a recess G11 may be realized by bending or folding the roof member 360. Alternatively, the recess G11 may be configured in a shape dug into the surface of the roof member 360 to a predetermined depth. Here, the slopes S1 and S2 of the roof member 360 may be configured in a shape inclined so as to gradually decrease toward the recess G11.

[0142] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the recess G11 limits the path for foreign matter accumulated on the upper surface of the roof member 360 to be discharged to the outside. Therefore, the foreign matter can be more effectively prevented from moving toward a specific part of the battery system. In addition, in this case, the foreign matter that comes into contact with the outer surface of the roof member 360 can be more easily discharged to the outside.

[0143] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 27, when rain falls on the upper surface of the roof member 360, the rainwater may fall on the left slope S1 and the right slope S2 of the roof member 360. At this time, the rainwater flows in the directions of the arrows F1 and F2, and flows into the recess G11. Then, the rainwater that flows into the recess G11 flows forward or backward along the recess as shown by the dotted arrow, and is then discharged to the outside of the roof member 360. In other words, it can be said that the discharge path for rain and other foreign matter that has fallen on the upper surface of the roof member 360 is defined by the recess G11.

[0144] In particular, the recess G11 of the roof member 360 may be located in the center. The roof member 360 may have slopes S1 and S2 located on both sides of the recess G11. In this case, foreign matter such as rain or snow that falls on the upper surface of the roof member 360 may flow from the roof member 360 to the left or right toward the center. This further improves the performance of the roof member 360 in preventing foreign matter penetration.

[0145] Furthermore, fastening holes H13 for connecting the roof member 360 to the container housing 120 may be provided on the left and right ends of the roof member 360. Also, as shown in FIG 26, the container terminal 130 may be located near the left and right ends of the roof member 360.

[0146] Therefore, according to this embodiment, when foreign matter such as rain or snow falls on the upper surface of the roof member 360, the foreign matter can be prevented from penetrating into the fastening hole H13, the container terminal 130, or the mounting member 340.

[0147] FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a portion of a battery system according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] 28, the mounting member 340 may be configured to have at least a portion thereof inserted into the outside of the container housing 120. More specifically, an insertion groove as indicated by J4 may be formed on the outside of the container housing 120. Furthermore, the insertion groove J4 may have the form of a protrusion that protrudes laterally from the outer surface of the container housing 120 and then bent upward to extend. Then, when the mounting member 340 is mounted to the container housing 120, at least a portion of the mounting member 340 may be inserted into the insertion groove J4 of the container housing 120.

[0149] In particular, when the mounting member 340 is formed in a square ring shape, the mounting member 340 may have four frames (edges) as indicated by I1 to I4. At this time, one of the frames, i.e., frame I4, may be attached to the insertion groove J4 of the container housing 120 as indicated by K1 in the drawing. The remaining frames, i.e., frames I1 to I3, may have fastening holes H11 formed therein and may be coupled to fastening holes H12 formed in the container housing 120 by a method such as bolt fastening. In particular, the insertion groove J4 of the container housing 120 may be located at the lower part of the terminal receiving portion D1. In addition, the lower part of the mounting member 340, i.e., the lower frame I4 of the mounting member 340, may be inserted into the insertion groove J4 of the container housing 120.

[0150] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the bonding strength between the protective cover 300 and the container housing 120 is further improved. In addition, according to this embodiment, the assembly process of attaching the protective cover 300 to the container housing 120 becomes more convenient. In particular, in the process of attaching the mounting member 340 to the container housing 120, the lower part of the mounting member 340 may not be easily bolted due to the cover member 350, etc. However, according to the configuration in which the lower part of the mounting member 340 is inserted into the container housing 120 and the sides and upper part of the mounting member 340 are bolted as in the embodiment of FIG. 28, the mounting process of the mounting member 340 becomes easier.

[0151] FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view that illustrates a partial configuration of a battery system according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] 29, an insertion groove as indicated by J1 may be formed on the outer side of the container housing 120. The insertion groove J1 may be located above a side opening of the terminal accommodating portion D1. The upper insertion groove J1 may also be configured to protrude outward from the outer surface of the container housing 120. In particular, the upper insertion groove J1 may have a shape that protrudes laterally from the outer surface of the container housing 120 and then bent downward to extend. The mounting member 340 may be configured such that an upper side, for example, an upper frame I1 of a rectangular frame, is inserted into the upper insertion groove J1.

[0153] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the waterproof performance and dustproof performance of the protective cover 300 are further improved. In particular, in a rainy or snowy situation, there is a relatively high risk of water flowing in through a gap between the upper frame I1 of the mounting member 340 and the container housing 120. However, according to this embodiment, since the upper frame I1 of the mounting member 340 is configured to be inserted into the container housing 120, it is possible to more reliably prevent water and other foreign matter from flowing in to the upper frame I1 side. That is, according to this embodiment, the sealing force between the container housing 120 and the protective cover 300 can be further improved. In particular, when the upper insertion groove J1 is configured to protrude outward as in this embodiment, the effect of preventing such flow in is further increased.

[0154] 29, the insertion structure of the mounting member 340 may be provided on both the upper frame I1 and the lower frame I4. In this case, the protective cover 300 may be fitted into the upper insertion groove J1 and the lower insertion groove J4 in a sliding manner as shown by the arrow K2 in FIG. 29. A bolt fastening structure may be applied to the front frame I3 and the rear frame I2 to which the insertion structure of the mounting member 340 is not applied. In this case, when the fastening in the sliding manner is completed, the link bus bar 200 may be drawn into the terminal accommodating portion D1 through the protective cover 300. According to this embodiment, the assembling and coupling properties, sealing force, etc. of the protective cover 300 are further improved.

[0155] The protective cover 300 according to the present invention can further improve the sealing performance of the contact portion with the container housing 120 by using a method such as silicone molding. For example, the mounting member 340 formed in a square ring shape can have sealing portions formed of a material such as silicone along four frames (edges).

[0156] FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view that illustrates a partial configuration of a battery system according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] 30, a mounting groove, as indicated by M1, for mounting the mounting member 340 may be formed on the outside of the container housing 120. The mounting groove M1 may be configured in a form that is dug inward from the outer surface of the container housing 120 by a predetermined distance. Such a mounting groove M1 may be formed in a shape and position corresponding to the shape and mounting position of the mounting member 340. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, when the mounting member 340 is formed in a square ring shape, the mounting groove M1 may also be formed in a square ring shape.

[0158] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the connection between the container housing 120 and the mounting member 340 is further improved. Also, according to this embodiment, the mounting groove M1 serves to guide the connection position of the mounting member 340, thereby further improving the ease of assembly of the protective cover 300. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the mounting member 340 is inserted into the mounting groove M1, so that the infiltration of water and other foreign matter from the connection portion between the mounting member 340 and the container housing 120 can be more effectively prevented.

[0159] Additionally, the attachment member 340 and / or the container housing 120 may include magnets at portions where they are coupled together. For example, the attachment member 340 may include a permanent magnet, and the container housing 120 may be made of a material to which such a permanent magnet will adhere, for example, a ferromagnetic material such as iron.

[0160] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the coupling strength and ease of assembly of the mounting member 340 are further improved. In particular, when the mounting member 340 is bolted to the container housing 120, if the position of the mounting member 340 is stably fixed by the magnet, the bolting operation can be performed more easily.

[0161] On the other hand, many of the embodiments described above, for example, the embodiments of FIGS. 12 to 17, can be applied in the same or similar manner to many of the embodiments described in the embodiments of FIGS. 18 to 30.

[0162] 12, for example, the mounting member 340 may be attached to the side opening of the terminal accommodating portion D1. In particular, the mounting member 340 formed in a ring shape may be attached to the container housing 120 in a form surrounding the side opening of the terminal accommodating portion D1.

[0163] As another example, in the embodiment of Fig. 15, the upper edge of the mounting member 340 formed in a square ring shape may be bolted to the side of the connection reinforcement member F. Also, the end of the roof member 360 described in the embodiment of Figs. 26 and 27 may be connected and fixed to the upper surface of the connection reinforcement member F. Furthermore, the connection reinforcement member F may have a fastening hole, as shown by H14 in Fig. 26, for connection and fixing to other components. A detailed description of such additional embodiments will be omitted.

[0164] FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a link bus bar 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 31 , the link bus bar 200 according to the present invention may include a connecting portion 210 and a cable 220. Here, the connecting portion 210 may be provided in a plurality of numbers corresponding to the number of battery systems connected by the link bus bar 200. For example, when the link bus bar 200 electrically connects two battery systems, the connecting portion 210 may be provided in two groups as shown in FIG. 31 . Alternatively, when the link bus bar 200 connects three battery systems, the connecting portion 210 may be provided in three groups. Of course, the connecting portion 210 may be provided in a number greater than the number of battery systems to be connected. The connecting portion 210 may be a portion of the link bus bar 200 that is directly in contact with and coupled to the container terminal 130. Therefore, the connecting portion 210 may have a fastening structure corresponding to the container terminal 130 so as to be coupled and fixed to the container terminal 130. For example, the connecting portion 210 may be configured to have a fixing hole formed therein so as to be fastened to the container terminal 130 by a bolt.

[0166] The cable 220 may be configured to connect between such a plurality of connecting parts 210. For example, as shown in FIG. 31, in the case of a link bus bar 200 having connecting parts 210 on both sides, the cable 220 may connect between the connecting parts 210 on both sides. That is, both ends of the cable 220 may be connected between different connecting parts 210. The cable 220 may be configured in a form in which the surface of a metallic wire such as copper is covered with a non-conductive material such as a polymer. In particular, in the link bus bar 200 of the battery system according to the present invention, a plurality of cables 220 may be provided. For example, the link bus bar 200 may be configured in a form in which three or six cables 220 are provided between two connecting parts 210. In this case, the plurality of cables 220 may be configured to be separable without being fixed to each other. For example, the three cables 220 may be configured in a form in which both ends are connected to the connecting parts 210, but the remaining parts excluding both ends, particularly the central parts, are separated from each other.

[0167] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to more effectively deal with errors that occur when constructing a battery system. In particular, when two battery systems are arranged adjacent to each other, even if a tolerance occurs in the up-down, left-right, or front-back direction, the configuration of the link bus bar 200 can adaptively accommodate such a tolerance. Furthermore, it can be said that this embodiment has a superior tolerance accommodation capability compared to a flexible flat cable that has flexibility only in a specific direction.

[0168] The battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a control module. The control module may be included inside or outside the container housing 120 and configured to control the overall operation, state, etc. of the battery container.

[0169] An energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the battery system according to the embodiment of the present invention described above. In particular, the battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to two battery containers 100, but three or more such battery containers 100 may be included. Thus, the energy storage system according to the present invention may include a battery system including two or more battery containers 100. The energy storage system according to the present invention may further include a control container for controlling various operations such as charging and discharging operations of the battery system in addition to the battery system. The energy storage system according to the present invention may further include a firefighting device for responding to a fire in the battery system. For example, the firefighting device may be a water injection unit configured to supply water to the inside of the battery container 100 when a fire occurs in a specific battery container 100.

[0170] Meanwhile, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, but such terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such terms may change depending on the position of a target object, the position of an observer, etc. Furthermore, terms indicating directions such as inside and outside are used in this specification, but unless otherwise specified, inside means the direction toward the center of each component, and outside means the opposite direction.

[0171] Although the present invention has been described above using limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 100: Battery container 110: Battery module 120: Container housing 130: Container terminal 200: Link busbar 210: Connect Department 220: Cable 300: Protective cover 310: Bottom cover 311: 1st bottom cover 312: Second bottom cover 320: Top cover 330: Guide cover 331: Horizontal guide part 332: Vertical guide section 340: Mounting material 350: Cover material 360: Roof material 410: Top terminal cover 420: Side terminal cover

Claims

1. a plurality of battery containers including one or more battery modules, a container housing for housing the battery modules in an internal space thereof, and a container terminal located on at least one side of the container housing and configured to be electrically connected to an outside; a link bus bar, each end of which is connected to a container terminal of a different battery container, electrically connecting the plurality of battery containers; a protective cover coupled to a container housing of a plurality of battery containers electrically connected by the link bus bar and configured to surround the link bus bar in spaces between the plurality of battery containers.

2. The battery system according to claim 1 , wherein the protective cover is configured to be detachably attached to the outer surface of the container housing.

3. The battery system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protective cover comprises a plurality of unit covers configured to be separable and connectable to each other.

4. The battery system according to claim 3 , wherein the plurality of unit covers include a bottom cover configured to protect lower and side portions of the link bus bar, and a top cover configured to protect an upper portion of the link bus bar.

5. The battery system according to claim 4 , wherein the plurality of unit covers further comprises a guide cover coupled to an outer side of the container housing so that at least one of the bottom cover and the top cover is placed thereon.

6. 5. The battery system of claim 4, wherein the bottom cover includes a first bottom cover configured to protect a front and a lower portion of the link bus bar, and a second bottom cover configured to protect a rear and a lower portion of the link bus bar.

7. 3. The battery system according to claim 1, wherein the protective cover comprises: two mounting members attached to the outsides of two battery containers connected by the link bus bar, respectively; and a cover member coupled to the two mounting members and configured to surround the link bus bar in a flexible state.

8. The battery system according to claim 7 , wherein the mounting member is formed in a ring shape, and the cover member is formed in a tubular shape.

9. The battery system according to claim 7 , wherein the cover member is configured to be flexible in horizontal and vertical directions.

10. The battery system according to claim 7 , wherein the cover member is configured in a sheet shape that is rolled up and has both ends fixed.

11. The battery system according to claim 7 , wherein the cover member is constructed in a woven form.

12. The battery system according to claim 7 , wherein the cover member is configured in a corrugated tubular shape.

13. The battery system according to claim 7 , wherein the protective cover further comprises a roof member disposed on an upper portion of the cover member.

14. The battery system of claim 7 , wherein the mounting member is configured to be inserted at least partially outside the container housing.

15. 3. An energy storage system comprising the battery system of claim 1 or 2.

16. A protective cover for a battery system in which a plurality of battery containers are electrically connected to each other by a link bus bar, a bottom cover configured to protect a lower portion and a side portion of the link bus bar; a top cover configured to protect a top portion of the link bus bar.

17. A protective cover for a battery system in which two battery containers are electrically connected to each other by a link bus bar, two mounting members respectively attached to the outer sides of the two battery containers connected by the link bus bar; a cover member coupled to the two mounting members and configured to surround the link bus bar in a flexible state.

Images